APPLICATION
Basics
For the preliminary round, we want a general understanding of your proposal, how it works, and the innovations introduced.​ Follow instructions carefully. Leave out marketing jargon. Focus on clarity and consistency.
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We permit one application per faculty mentor. If student teams develop multiple proposals, the mentor decides which to submit.
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Due: Nov 15, 2026 by Midnight PST.
Team Details
Faculty Mentor Info
Name, position, contact info, class involved with this project.
Music Program Info
Name of university, location, region.
This part of the application will not be viewed by judges. It will be used to communicate with team members as the process moves forward.
Student Leader Info
Name, major, year, and contact info for the main student communicator for the team.
Other Member Info
Name, major, year, and contact info for up to four additional team members.
Project Info
Title of the project and a one paragraph overview summary.
Powerhouse Proposal
This part of the proposal consists of eleven fields. Maximum lengths are shown. We are not looking for long answers, but clear and thoughtful ones.
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NOTE: This is an anonymous submission. Do not include names of your university, location, or team members.
If you must, use a pseudonym.
The BIG Problem
1 compelling sentence
What is the most important problem your project will address? Can be a positive or negative problem statement.
The BIG Idea
2-5 words
Succinctly summarize your project concept.
WOWable 1
2-5 word summary + 50 word description
What is your first important innovation? Provide some specifics on how it works. Be sure it supports your BIG Idea.
The BIG Audience
1 paragraph - 4 sentences max
Who has this problem and why? How motivated are they to solve it?
Overview & Impact
150 words maximum
Describe your proposal. What is it, how does it work, and what kind of difference will it make?
WOWable 2
2-5 word summary + 50 word description
What is your second important innovation? Provide some specifics on how it works.
WOWable 3
2-5 word summary + 50 word description
What is your third important innovation? Provide some specifics on how it works.
Ideal Partner
100 word description
If you advance, you will be required to engage a non-music collaborator. You do not need to have this secured at this point, and should not name them specifically to keep your project anonymous.
What type of partner would you like to engage? What role will they play?
A Little Something Extra
2-5 word summary + 50 word description
A final exciting detail, typically in a different direction.
Logistical Issues
10 - 20 bullet points
Using short sentences or phrases, clarify the most important specifics. Address issues like:
- How long
- Where it happens
- Audience size
- Technical features
- Anything else that clarifies the vision
Statement of Commitment
100 word description
Without mentioning names, describe how excited your team is to pursue this project if awarded the $10,000. Convince us you will complete it at a high level.
